STA, 23 May 2021 - The famous road cycling race Giro d'Italia returned to Slovenia after 17 years, as Sunday's 15th stage from Grado to Gorizia also made a turn to Slovenia's picturesque wine-growing region of Brda and the city of Nova Gorica this afternoon.
This was the sixth time that the Grand Tour race passed through Slovenia, after 1922, 1971, 1994, 2001 and 2004.
The 15th stage from Grado to Gorizia was 147km long, of which 40km went through Slovenia, including three passes over the steep, 2-km long Gornje Cerovo climb.
This was followed by a succession of tough climbs and descents and after the third lap, the route passed through Nova Gorica and finished in the Italian town of Gorizia.
A number of spectators gathered along the Slovenian section of the route, particularly along the climb to Gornje Cerovo, while there were also many other activities organised along the route.
The stage was won by Belgium's Victor Campenaerts, while Colombia's Egan Bernal managed to keep the pink jersey.
Jan Tratnik, the only Slovenian fighting for what would be the ninth stage win for the country in the history of Giro, finished 31st after finishing 2nd yesterday.
